Answers (4)
That's kind of a broad and subjective question. I have friends whom I know from church whom otherwise wouldn't acknowledge me otherwise. But I don't discount them as purely 'church friends' I think of it as being able to meet and make friends with someone whom I normally wouldn't ever interacte with. Now if they seem to respond to you only out of some external obligation then they obviously don't want to interact with you and you should leave them alone. Hope this helped.
That depends on what you expect from a friend. You certainly would not hang around if the members didn't act friendly, but it's possible that you don't have anything else in common, and it's possible that they are new members and haven't learned how to act right yet.
I only had a limited number of characters when typing the initial question. But a more clear version of what I'm asking is: Are the people in a religious environment who who you've forged some sort of relationship with, who you are led to believe are your closest friends really so if in an instance where they don't see you around in the congregation for awhile or if you were to leave the religion itself caused them to not speak, or associate with you any longer rather than to show "concern" like they had when you were "active" in the religion? Were they ever true friends in the first place? Or just false ones and you should move on with your life?
It's a rather dumb question with a probably obvious answer. But I just need a 2nd/3rd/4th/5th (or more) opinion.
There are friends and there are "friends". The Bible tell us that a good friend is closer than a brother.
All my friends are in the same religion as myself. If I am not at the meetings or they don't see me for a week or so, I am overwhelmed with texts and messages checking that I am okay.
However, the Bible also warns us that if a "brother" should commit a sin then we are admonished to avoid that one if he is removed from the congregation. But this does not mean we love them any less, just that it is a disciplinary measure. If it is family we still associate but not in any spiritual sense. A true friend would want you to continue within the congregation and although may not associate, it is showing love by abiding by the scriptural principles.
I hope this is helpful.